Delphi has announced plans to conduct the "longest automated drive ever attempted in North America."

Delphi has announced plans to conduct the "longest automated drive ever attempted in North America."

Set to kick off on March 22nd near the Golden Gate Bridge, the event will see a specially-equipped Audi S Q5 embarking on a coast-to-coast trip that spans approximately 3,500 miles (5,632 km).

The company says the trip will enable them to "gather critical data" as the prototype will be subjected to a "variety of driving conditions from changing weather and terrain to potential road hazards - things that could never truly be tested in a lab."

In a statement, Delphi chief technology officer Jeff Owens said "Delphi had great success testing its car in California and on the streets of Las Vegas. Now it’s time to put our vehicle to the ultimate test by broadening the range of driving conditions." He added "This drive will help us collect invaluable data in our quest to deliver the best automotive grade technologies on the market.”